Robyn
Schwarz

Tell me a little about yourself.

I’m a fine art appraiser and advisor. As an appraiser, I value works of art for insurance, fair market value, and other purposes. As an advisor, I help clients understand the value of works of art, as well as buy and sell them.

I knew I wanted to have a career in the art world, and after a few gallery jobs in Santa Fe and Los Angeles, I got a job at Sotheby’s in New York. My training is predominantly in Impressionist and Modern European art, as well as American art, but I’ve expanded to include Contemporary art, regional collecting areas, and Outsider art.

Lately, I’ve been working on an archive project. I’m helping digitize all of New Orleans artist Ida Kohlmeyer’s slides so we can build a catalogue raisonné. I really love my work. I’m an art geek.

What book has stayed with you—and why?

I’m a huge Jane Austen fan, and I’ve read Persuasion many times. There’s something magical about a time and place untouched by modern conveniences, especially phones.

We may be the last generation to have truly experienced a surprise. Everyone knows everything in real time today.

What film moved, motivated, or surprised you?

I watch Love Actually every holiday season, but anytime I walk through an arrivals hall in an airport, I watch the joy on people’s faces as they reunite with loved ones. I’m a sap!

But it’s a clever, fun movie and kind of touches on all the crazy stuff that can happen at Christmas.

Where have you felt most connected?

The places I’ve felt most connected have always been because of the people I was with. There’s something about sharing a travel experience that makes it more real.

I’ve especially loved traveling with my kids over the years. A different generation or age group sees something completely different or notices details we miss. Plus, it’s more fun to belly laugh about something with good travel partners.

As for where I want to go, I think the answer is almost everywhere I haven’t been!

What should the rest of us know from your particular world?

An art-world tip: when you visit a popular museum or exhibition, try to go when the museum first opens or stay late until closing. Having the galleries to yourself is priceless. Most museums have one day a week with extended hours.

And never try to see an entire museum in one day. I will go to the Met and see one exhibition; that way, I can really let it soak in.

We took our kids to the Louvre when they were little, and they each picked one object. We saw mummified cats and the Mona Lisa, plus a lot of cool stuff in between.

What is next on your list?

I recently stopped in Houston on my way to New York to see Hew Locke’s mid-career retrospective. I’ve been following him for years, and it was a great show to experience as a whole.

Next, I’m heading back to New York and then to Venice for the Biennale. It’s an incredible setting for contemporary art.

What is your favorite beverage and/or bottle of wine?

Wine is a little like art. How do you ever pick a favorite?

I do remember the first time I ever had Château d’Yquem. My father-in-law Roy had a tremendous cellar, and he loved sharing his wine with friends and family. It’s like drinking the nectar of the gods.

What discovery would you pass along to a friend right now?

I’ve been pretty esoteric in my answers so far, so I’m going to dumb it down in this last one: check out lesser-known auction houses listed on LiveAuctioneers or Auctions at Showplace.

They handle loads of great art, furniture, silver, jewelry, and other things that the larger auction houses don’t want to trifle with, and you can buy some really nice pieces for very little. They’re reputable and helpful, too.

Then you will have art in your life every day!